Colombo, Sri Lanka – 25 August 2026 – A pivotal move towards enhancing the nation’s democratic integrity commenced yesterday as an expert panel convened at the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The panel has begun its crucial work on the structural transformation of Sri Lanka’s electoral system, with the aim of making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the evolving expectations of the people.
The inaugural meeting, held under the distinguished chairmanship of Hon. Prof. A.H.M.H. Abeyaratne, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, also the Chairman of the Select Committee of Parliament appointed to review election laws (excluding Provincial Council elections), laid the groundwork for this significant reform process. Discussions extensively covered the defined role of the Expert Panel, the specific matters slated for review, and the strategic approach for the subsequent stages of this vital undertaking.
Mandate and Scope of the Expert Panel
The Expert Panel has been tasked with a comprehensive and time-bound mandate:
- To conduct an in-depth review of 31 proposals submitted by various public bodies and organisations concerning electoral reforms.
- To take into consideration relevant studies and research conducted by the university community and esteemed research institutions during its review process.
- To complete this extensive review and present its findings within a strict timeframe of two months.
Paving the Way for a New Electoral Culture
The scope of this initiative extends beyond mere incremental adjustments to the current system. The panel is mandated not only to identify shortcomings within the existing electoral framework but also, critically, to formulate recommendations for establishing a new electoral system and culture. This forward-looking approach seeks to integrate more constructive and positive features into Sri Lanka’s democratic practices.
The ultimate objective is profound: to move beyond simply introducing amendments. Instead, the committee aims to present Parliament with a detailed report containing the necessary policy and legislative recommendations for a truly credible, democratic, and efficient electoral system. Such a system is envisioned to be optimally suited to the contemporary needs of Sri Lanka and to genuinely reflect the aspirations of its diverse populace.
Parliamentary Engagement and Participation
The initial deliberations saw the active participation of key parliamentary figures, including Hon. Members of Parliament Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, Attorney-at-Law Thushari Jayasinghe, and Chandima Hettiarachchi. Their involvement underscores the collaborative and broad-based commitment to achieving a robust and fair electoral transformation.
This initiative represents a significant commitment by the Parliament of Sri Lanka to bolster its democratic institutions, promising an electoral system that is both effective and truly representative.
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